The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, has appealed to the youth in Plateau state to shun all forms of vices and embrace peace, adding that there won’t be any meaningful development without peace.
Speaking at the first-ever Plateau North peace unity and reconciliation football tournament organised by the Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Istifanus Gyang, in Jos, on Friday 22nd, the Deputy Speaker who served as a special guest of honour said peace in Plateau north will have a ripple effect across the state and country.
“There is no tribe in Nigeria that does not have its Peoples here on the Plateau, so Plateau has become a mini Nigeria where all tribes and religions divine are represented,” he said.
In a message signed by his Chief Press secretary on media and publicity Umar Mohammad Puma, the Deputy Speaker charged the youth not to allow themselves to be used by unpatriotic Nigerians, adding that the tournament will serve at unifying factor among the ethnic and religious diversity on the Plateau.
Earlier in his remarks, Sen. Gyang said the idea behind the tournament is anchored on the desire and need to change the negative narrative and rebuild confidence and togetherness against the challenge of insecurity which the constituency faced at varying times for upward two decades.
“We, therefore, can through constructive engagement, not only profit but turn ethnic and religious diversity into an asset and in the process, transform Plateau north to become the model of recovery in overcoming adversity, animosity and hate.”
The tournament which kicked off at Rwang Pam township stadium in Jos was attended by former Governor of Plateau state Jonah David Jang, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and many football fans.